Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
NEOCLASSICAL STYLE
Neoclassical design emerged in Europe in the 1750s, as the Age of Enlightenment reached full flower. Neoclassical furniture took its cues from the styles of ancient Rome and Athens: symmetrical, ordered, dignified forms with such details as tapered and fluted chair and table legs, backrest finials and scrolled arms.
Over a period of some 20 years, first in France and later in Britain, neoclassical design — also known as Louis XVI, or Louis Seize — would supersede the lithe and curvaceous Rococo or Louis XV style.
The first half of the 18th century had seen a rebirth of interest in classical antiquity. The "Grand Tour" of Europe, codified as a part of the proper education of a patrician gentleman, included an extended visit to Rome. Some ventured further, to sketch the ruins of ancient Greece. These drawings and others — particularly those derived from the surprising and rich archaeological discoveries in the 1730s and ’40s at the sites of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum — caused great excitement among intellectuals and aesthetes alike.
Neoclassical furniture is meant to reflect both grace and power. The overall appearance of neoclassical chairs, tables and cabinetry is strong and rectilinear. These pieces are, in effect, classical architecture in miniature: chair and table legs are shaped like columns; cabinets are constructed with elements that mirror friezes and pediments.
Yet neoclassicism is enlivened by gilt and silver leaf, marquetry, and carved and applied ornamental motifs based on Greek and Roman sculpture: acanthus leaves, garlands, laurel wreaths, sheaves of arrow, medallions and chair splats are carved in the shapes of lyres and urns. Ormolu — or elaborate bronze gilding — was essential to French design in the 18th and 19th centuries as a cornerstone of the neoclassical and Empire styles.
As you can see from the furniture on these pages, there is a bit of whimsy in such stately pieces — a touch of lightness that will always keep neoclassicism fresh.
Find antique neoclassical furniture today on 1stDibs.
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Style: Neoclassical
Italian NeoClassic Oak Parquetry Desk, Natural
Located in Westwood, NJ
An Italian NeoClassic style starburst pattern parquetry desk with tapered legs. It has one center drawer flanked by two smaller drawers with Verde Bronze finished handles.
Shown in...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Neoclassical Bureau Plat, France around 1800
Located in Greding, DE
French bureau plat on square tapered legs with brass sabots and small castors. The desk is veneered in mahogany and the writing surface is covered in congac-colored leather. The keyh...
Category
Early 1800s French Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Secretary Desk, Tambour Roll Top
Located in Clermont, FL
Secretary desk by Bombay Furniture Co. Beautiful veneer mahogany finish. Dated 2004. Table maintains it s sturdy structure, with good wood surface ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Italian Late Neoclassic Walnut 2-Drawer Library Table / Kitchen Island, ca. 1840
Located in Atlanta, GA
Large and tall in scale this table has a rectangular top with rounded corners atop a conforming frame housing two drawers and raised on turned and tapering legs, its size and storage...
Category
1840s Italian Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
18th century Italian Paint Decorated Writing Desk with Drawer Circa 1760s
Located in Swedesboro, NJ
This is a gorgeous smaller true gem of a desk from the middle part of the 1700s from Italy. The desk is made of walnut and pine and has a single drawer with all the traits one expect...
Category
1760s Italian Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut, Pine
John Vesey Style Steel Bronze Neoclassical Console Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Iconic brushed steel and patinated bronze clad writing table, desk, or console made in the manner and style of John Vesey (American 1924-1992). The desk is fronted by two storage dra...
Category
20th Century French Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze, Steel, Stainless Steel
Early 20th-Century Neoclassical Writing Desk Inlaid with Brass
Located in Opole, PL
Early 20th-Century Neoclassical Writing Desk Inlaid with Brass
We present you a Neoclassical writing desk from the early 20th century.
It is...
Category
Early 20th Century European Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
English Neoclassical Style Mahogany Library Table or Writing Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic English library table or writing table hand-crafted from solid mahogany. The table features a large trestle base with Greco-Roman style corinthian column legs in the neoclas...
Category
20th Century English Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Nancy Corzine Neoclassical Giltwood & Black Marble Top Executive Desk
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Nancy Corzine Neoclassical Giltwood & Black Marble Top Executive Desk
Category
1990s Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble
Portable "Laptop" Desk with Storage Compartments and Inkwell
Located in Soquel, CA
Portable "Laptop" Desk with Storage Compartments and Inkwell
Box with storage for paper, pens, ink, and other writing supplies. Multiple lids/compar...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mother-of-Pearl, Hardwood
Neo-Classical R.J. Horner Style Desk / Table Green Leather Top & Dolphin Base
Located in Kennesaw, GA
This is a late 19th century Neo-classical R.J. Horner style ebonized desk with carved dolphin base and tooled green leather top. It has wonderful patina! The desk is very heavy and m...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Leather, Oak
French Empire style mahogany bronze mounted writing desk, leather top circa 1940
Located in Miami, FL
A French Empire style mahogany bronze mounted writing desk with leather top, circa 1940.
Category
Early 20th Century European Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Italian Neoclassical Bleached Walnut Desk
Located in Houston, TX
Italian neoclassical bleached walnut desk circa 1825-1845. 19th century walnut veneered desk with five drawers. Simple lines and squared legs in a...
Category
Mid-19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Metal, Iron, Gold Leaf
Vintage American Mahogany Escritoire Writing Desk
Located in Plainview, NY
A beautiful and timeless 1970's American escritoire desk. The writing desk is made of solid mahogany and is sturdy. The desk shows fine carving details and offers 5 regular drawers a...
Category
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
French Neoclassical Console Table Exilis Hand Carved Handmade Portugal
By GF Modern, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Console Exilis Neoclassical collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern.
A French Neoclassical Style console table, Hand Carved in Linden Wood.
An exclusive and sumpt...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble, Onyx, Steel, Silver Leaf, Stainless Steel
"Universal" Table from Thomas Sheraton's Design Book
Located in Stamford, CT
A "universal" table documented in the Thomas Sheraton's Design book. This mahogany table has two pullout leaves with a central tabletop that drops down. There are two drawers, one ha...
Category
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Primitive Antique Early American Country Farmhouse Slant Top School Writing Desk
Located in Dayton, OH
Antique Primitive early American schoolhouse / country / farmhouse writing desk. Made of poplar featuring a slanted top and dovetailed joinery.
...
Category
Late 19th Century Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Poplar
Dennis & Leen Belgian Louis XVI Neoclassical Style Library Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Exquisite library table or desk designed by Dennis & Leen Los Angeles, CA. Known as the Belgian Louis XVI table it features neoclassical style motifs on the apron and legs. Decorated...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
1960s Hollywood Regency Neoclassical Revival Karges Writing Desk
Located in Burbank, CA
Vintage 1960s Hollywood Regency desk for sale. Manufactured by Karges in the 1960s, and in beautiful vintage condition. Really special writing desk that ...
Category
1960s American Vintage Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Restored 1970 Empire Desk: Light Walnut & Ebonized Finish with Green Leather Top
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the elegance of this vintage Empire desk, meticulously hand-crafted from wood and professionally restored by our in-house team. In great condition, the desk boasts a rectang...
Category
1970s European Vintage Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Custom Made Metal Vanity or Desk by BH&A
Located in Sheffield, MA
Custom made and designed by us. this versatile modern and traditional styled piece can be used as end table, vanity, desk or dressing table. Table has distressed metal top insert and a drawer. Matching vanity stool available. Can work well in neoclassica, Hollywood Regency, neoclassical revival or modern setting. Size and finish to your specifications.
Check with us for quote for other top inserts.
Matching custom vanity stool...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Iron
French 1940s Leather Top Mahogany Desk
Located in Buchanan, NY
Unusual and handsome mahogany French desk from the 1940s-1950s with a distressed leather top. There is one large central drawer as well as two side drawers on either side and the bac...
Category
1940s French Vintage Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Spanish Rustic Neoclassic Faded Walnut 1-Drawer Table, early 19th century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Having a three board top slightly overhanging the rectangular case, the case housing one drawer missing bottom left corner, the opposite side with decorative shaped wooden corners at...
Category
1810s Spanish Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
19th Century Neoclassical Style English Oak Library Table Desk
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Dramatic 19th century English library table, writing table, or desk hand-crafted from oak. The table features a trestle style base with Greco-Roman corinthian columns in the neoclass...
Category
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
1800s Hancrafted Tall Slant Top Secretary Desk
Located in Germantown, MD
1800s Hancrafted tall slant top secretary desk. Wood appears to be flame maple. Solid dove tail joints. Turned legs and carved apron. Some wea...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Pine
An 19th Century Italian Desk with Beautiful Detail
Located in New York, NY
An exceptionally beautiful Italian writing table with three drawers and a leather top pull-out writing surface. The desk is constructed in a walnut, with a lighter secondary wood. ...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Classic French Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
Classic French Black Desk with a tooled inset leather top writing surface, the ebonized and polished finish with brass trim and capitals, with frieze drawer and raised on square tape...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique French Rustic Neoclassical Executive Desk ~ Conference Table
Located in Dallas, TX
Antique French Rustic Neoclassical Executive Desk ~ Conference Table was crafted on a truly grand scale from dense, old-growth oak which has been painstakingly stripped by our expert...
Category
Early 20th Century French Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
Neoclassical Style Gitwood & Ebonized Walnut Desk, Modern
Located in LOS ANGELES, CA
Neoclassical Style Gitwood & Ebonized Walnut Desk, Modern.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Traditional English Leather Top Black Lacquered Writing Desk
Located in North York, ON
Traditional English leather top black lacquered writing desk. Newly made in the USA with iconic English traditional styling. Featuring imported Italian burgundy leather top with a po...
Category
2010s American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique Parquetry, Ormolu and Leather Bureau Plat by Ross
By Donald Ross
Located in London, GB
Antique parquetry, ormolu and leather bureau plat by Ross
English, 19th Century
Height 76cm, width 120cm, depth 69cm
Made by the renowned English furniture maker Donald Ross, this desk is a demonstration of some of his finest work.
The desk is decorated with the iconic dotted parquetry trellis, and the centre is inset with a brown leather panel. Gold, debossed detailing adorns the border of the leather panel, its soft texture providing a smooth surface on which to write. An ormolu border frames the desk table top, the four edges mounted with motifs of male bearded masks among acanthus leaves.
Below are two lockable drawers, each one decorated in a similar manner to the desk table top. The pair of storage compartments are separated by a central ormolu mount cast in the form of flowing acanthus leaves and foliage garlands.
Four tapering legs support the desk, each one terminating in socket castors marked ‘JC’. Ross’ masterpiece is also labelled with a brass label ‘KG 8913’.
In the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London is a bedside table by Donald Ross of a very similar design to the desk in Mayfair Gallery...
Category
19th Century English Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
North Italian Neoclassical Walnut and Inlaid Writing Table
Located in Essex, MA
With rectangular top with a geometric pattern inlay over a long drawer over two smaller drawers , back and sides with same fine inlays, raised on square tapered legs. Excellent condi...
Category
Early 1800s Italian Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
French Neoclassical Parma Console Table Hand Carved Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By Greenapple, GF Modern
Located in Lisboa, PT
Parma console, Neoclassical collection, handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern.
A French Neoclassical style console table, Parma is handcarved in linden wood.
An exclusive a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Onyx, Marble, Steel, Stainless Steel, Silver Leaf
Maitland Smith Neoclassical Black Leather and Bronze Desk
Located in Miami, FL
A very unique Neoclassical Maitland Smith desk of gold embossed black leather with gilded bronze lion paws and seraphim on each leg. There are two ...
Category
20th Century American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Italian Neoclassic Oval Walnut Dining Table
Located in Dallas, TX
Amazing Italian neoclassic oval walnut dining table, recalling the glory days of ancient Greek and Roman civilizations, this stunning dining t...
Category
Mid-20th Century Italian Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
French Charles X Curule Leg Desk Writing Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Stunning French Charles X curule leg desk featuring neoclassical empire style cues. Fronted by three drawers the case is decorated in the Charles X tas...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Mahogany Wood “Architect Desk” Table, France, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Mahogany wood “architect desk” table, France, 19th century.
On four solomonic legs with a central knot stands the table, which has two drawers on the skirt, some boards on the sides...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Other
Antique Roller Blind Writing Desk Jerry, 1930s, Bohemia
Located in Prague 8, CZ
This so-called “American” roller blind desk was made in Bohemia by Jerry company in the 1930s. It is made of stained oak wood. This is one of the most int...
Category
Mid-20th Century Czech Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood, Oak
Directoire Style Small Bureau Plat
Located in Sheffield, MA
Directoire Maison Jansen style desk. Label inside drawer inscribed "A. Alavoine and Co., NY and Paris." Leather inset writing surface, drawer ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
French Neoclassical Parma Console Table Hand Carved Handmade Portugal Greenapple
By GF Modern, Greenapple
Located in Lisboa, PT
Parma Console, Neoclassical Collection, Handcrafted in Portugal - Europe by GF Modern.
A French Neoclassical style console table, Parma is han...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Marble
French Neo Classic Inspired Modern Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
French neo classic inspired modern desk, enjoy your workspace as never before with this exquisite desk crafted of Fumed Figured Tiger Maple. The des...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Asian Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Neoclassical Style Mahogany-Stained Wood and Leather-Lined Writing Table
Located in New York, NY
The tan leather-lined rectangular top over a frieze fitted with three drawers with brass pulls; raised on spiral-fluted tapering legs.
Category
Late 20th Century Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Small Neoclassical Desk, Northern Germany, 1810-20
Located in Belmont, MA
This small Neoclassical Desk or side table dates back to around 1810-20. the rectangular table has one drawer. It has a pretty mahogany veneer ...
Category
Early 19th Century German Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Early American Raise Top School Desk
Located in Sheffield, MA
An American raise top school desk with great aged wear. Make a wonderful stand for an entry hallway, kitchen or mud room stand to hold miscellaneous keys an...
Category
Early 20th Century North American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Fine 19th Century French Neoclassical Style Amboyna and Gilt Bronze Mounted Writ
Located in Benington, Herts
An extremely fine and unusual French Amboyan and gilt bronze bureau plat - writing table inspired by the Neoclassical designs.
French circa 1880-1900.
A superb amboyna writing ...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
1930s Larkin Soap Secretary Desk
By Larkin & Co.
Located in Germantown, MD
Antique oak, slant front secretary made by Larkin. Measures 30.5" in width x 16" in depth x 46.5" in height. Good vintage condition with three functional drawers. Some wear and tear ...
Category
Early 20th Century American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Oak
19th Century American Birdseye Maple Desk
Located in New York, NY
American 19th Century Birdseye Maple Desk attributed to H. Stowell & Son Cabinet Makers, (1828-98) Vermont 1850-60. Beautiful writing desk consisting of three stepped upper panels (...
Category
1860s American Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Birdseye Maple
Exceptional John Vesey Stainless Steel and Bronze Desk
By John Vesey
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Reminiscent of neoclassical French Louis XVI style with fluted columns-as-legs, bronze acanthus feet and corners embossed with gilt swag, this extraordinary and rare writing table is...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze, Stainless Steel
Vintage Neoclassical Dressing Table
Located in Sheffield, MA
The vintage neoclassical dressing table, vanity, desk or night table has gilt detailing, fluted legs, brass pulls and curved stretchers. Dr...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Italian NeoClassic Oak Parquetry Desk
Located in Westwood, NJ
An Italian Neo-Classic style oak parquetry desk with a starburst patterned oak parquetry top to bottom. It has a central drawer flanked by two further additions. It rests on tapered ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Wood
Gustavian Neoclassical Mahogany Writing Chest / Bureau on High Stand, 1800s
Located in Lucenec, SK
Swedish Gustavian mahogany writing cabinet. The writing part is covered with a black patent leather, with visible traces of use. The inner drawers have bone handles. The upper part i...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
Antique Classical American Philadelphia Desk in Mahogany with Double Pedestal
Located in Miami, FL
A very handsome and functional classical American bureau desk in dark Cuban mahogany, likely from Philadelphia. Offers three drawers along the apron, o...
Category
Late 19th Century American Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Writing Table, Mahogany, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
Rectangular board table decorated with a strip of vegetal motifs on the outer edge, waist enhanced with carved bands with oval and vegetable motifs of classicist influence and legs d...
Category
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Mahogany
Italian Neoclassical Writing Table, 19th Century
Located in Atlanta, GA
Fine quality 19th century Italian writing table of elegant proportions with amazing neoclassical details. A near-square burled walnut top is the perfect work surface and has a beauti...
Category
19th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Brass
French 19th Century Mahogany Travel Writing Desk
Located in London, GB
French 19th century mahogany travel writing desk
French, 19th century
Measures: Height 94cm, width 53cm, depth 18cm
This fine and delicate des...
Category
19th Century French Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Ormolu
18th Century Neoclassical Italian Marquetry Cherry Table
Located in San Francisco, CA
A 18th century Italian marquetry Cherry table with a single drawer.
Exquisitely handcrafted writing or gaming table, inlaid from it's top down it's legs that are slender and tapered...
Category
Mid-18th Century Italian Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Cherry
Walnut Davenport Desk, England, 19th Century
Located in Madrid, ES
English "Davenport" walnut wood desk, 19th century.
Desk with four drawers on the side, inkwell with closure at the top and folding tabletop with key lock. This typology is known as...
Category
19th Century European Antique Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Walnut
Maison Jansen Diminutive Bronze Mounted Writing Table
Located in Rio Vista, CA
Elegant mahogany and bronze mounted writing table by Maison Jansen. Features a diminutive size leather topped case covered with a pane of ...
Category
20th Century French Neoclassical Desks and Writing Tables
Materials
Bronze
Neoclassical desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Neoclassical desks and writing tables for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage desks and writing tables created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include tables, case pieces and storage cabinets, more furniture and collectibles and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, metal and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Neoclassical desks and writing tables made in a specific country, there are Europe, North America, and United States pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original desks and writing tables, popular names associated with this style include Donald Ross, GF Modern, Greenapple, and John Vesey. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for desks and writing tables differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $674 and tops out at $138,000 while the average work can sell for $5,693.
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